US will act if China builds on disputed reef with Philippines

The US has warned that China's development in an area also claimed by the Philippines in the South China Sea could prompt Washington and other countries to "take action".

Scarborough Shoal. Photo: Inquirer.

"I hope that this development does not happen because it will cause the US and other countries in the region to take action. This will not only increase tensions but also isolate China," US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said today at the Shangri-la Dialogue, an Asia-Pacific security forum, held in Singapore from June 3 to 5.

Hong Kong media reported this week that China plans to establish an outpost on Scarborough Shoal, about 230 kilometers off the Philippine coast. Manila says the shoal is within its exclusive economic zone.

Scarborough Shoal is at the heart of a dispute between the Philippines and China. Beijing took control of the area in 2012 and regularly deploys coast guard vessels to the area.

Philippine President-elect Rodrigo Duterte said on June 2 that he would not give up the country's rights around Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.

According to VNE